Concerns over the links between exposure to cleaning products and the development of respiratory health conditions are unfounded if products are used properly, cleaning industry groups have said.
US NGOs have cautioned that the increasing use of disinfectants during the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic could backfire with a rise in respiratory conditions.
Their concerns are based on studies that have reported an association between frequent use of disinfectants and cleaning products and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While these studies report an association, a lot more robust data and rigorous evaluation are needed to establish causation between the use of cleaning products and alleged health effects, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has responded.
"ACI’s research shows that if cleaning products are used properly according to label indications, there should be minimal exposure and therefore, minimal risk," the trade body said.
Most of the studies linking cleaning product use and asthma assessed self-reported symptoms by questionnaire. The ACI cautioned that recall bias and social desirability bias are two primary drivers of inaccurate self-reported data in questionnaires "and we need to be aware of this when interpreting those findings."
The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) echoed that, while it’s dangerous to misuse disinfectants, "proper use of these products and taking the appropriate safety precautions can prevent health consequences, including respiratory issues."
In response to NGO advice to use soap and water to break down the coronavirus where possible, HCPA said that this has not been shown to be effective against the coronavirus on hard surfaces.
"As of now, biocides are the only substances approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19," the HCPA said. The US EPA records effective surface disinfectants on its List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2.
The surging use of disinfectants in homes and public places has also come with an increase in calls to poison control centres for unintended exposures, according to reports by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most poisonings were connected to bleaches, non-alcohol disinfectants and hand sanitisers.
The increase in total calls was seen across all age groups but between 40-47% of calls concerned exposures among children aged under five, the CDC reported, up to 23 April.
The ACI reminds parents and caregivers not to let their guard down when using disinfectants more than usual but says the increase in product use should not lead to unsafe exposure levels.
"Frequent use of cleaning products when used properly does not equate to overuse. Overuse implies going inappropriately beyond proper use; this misuse can possibly lead to unsafe exposures," the trade body said.